President Donald Trump issued two proclamations honoring America’s World War II victory and the sacrifices made by military spouses, tying both observances to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.

In a Thursday proclamation declaring May 8, 2026, “Victory Day for World War II,” Trump praised the Allied triumph over Nazi Germany and paid tribute to the Americans who fought and died to preserve freedom in Europe.

“As we celebrate Victory Day for World War II — we celebrate America’s monumental triumph over tyranny and evil in Europe,” Trump wrote, crediting “the might of our Armed Forces and those of our Allies” for defeating Nazi Germany.

Trump highlighted battles including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, while emphasizing the sacrifices made by both soldiers overseas and Americans supporting the war effort at home.

More than 250,000 Americans died fighting Nazi Germany during the war, he noted.

“Their heroic sacrifice reminds us that the sacred freedoms we cherish are forged in sacrifice and must be fiercely defended both at home and abroad,” Trump said.

The proclamation comes amid renewed national attention on World War II as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding.

Trump has repeatedly pledged to make the semi quincentennial celebration a major patriotic event focused on American strength, heritage, and military pride.

The president also issued a separate proclamation recognizing May 8, 2026, as Military Spouse Day, honoring families who support active-duty service members through deployments, relocations, and other hardships tied to military life.

“Military spouses are vital to our national defense,” Trump wrote. “Their unwavering support of the home front enables our service members to protect our homeland and defend our liberty.”

Trump pointed to policies from his first administration aimed at improving employment opportunities and flexibility for military spouses, including expanded remote work options and increased professional license portability across state lines.

“We made great progress, but more work is needed in employment, quality housing, affordable childcare, accessible healthcare, and education,” Trump said, pledging continued support for military families.

The dual proclamations underscore Trump’s broader emphasis on military strength and patriotism as central themes of his presidency.

In the Victory Day proclamation, Trump vowed to ensure America’s armed forces remain “the most dominant in the world” and prepared “to confront any threat” facing the nation.